FC Naples is pleased to announce the signing of midfielder Chris Garcia ahead of the 2026 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval. Garcia brings experience across Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro, and multiple USL levels, along with pace, technical quality, and attacking versatility, as he joins FC Naples for the upcoming season. Garcia adds creativity, work rate, and one-on-one ability to FC Naples’ attacking group as the club continues to build its roster entering the 2026 season.
A Career Built Through Elite Development Pathways
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Garcia moved to Utah in 2018 to join the Real Salt Lake Academy, where he quickly established himself as a dynamic attacking presence. He recorded 18 goals in 38 appearances at the academy level, earning recognition as one of the top prospects in the system.
Garcia signed a homegrown contract with Real Salt Lake in February 2020 and made his professional debut later that year against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. In 2021, he gained valuable international experience during a loan spell with Swedish club Ljungskile SK, appearing in five matches and scoring one goal.
Professional Experience Across MLS, USL Championship, and MLS NEXT Pro
In 2022, Garcia returned to the United States and joined USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC on loan before signing with the club permanently in January 2023. Across two seasons with El Paso, he made 25 appearances, logging nearly 600 minutes while competing at one of the highest levels of the USL.
Ahead of the 2024 season, Garcia joined Austin FC II on a season-long loan, competing in MLS NEXT Pro. He made eight appearances during the campaign, continuing his development in a fast-paced, professional environment. In 2025, Garcia competed with Forward Madison FC in USL League One, further adding to his experience at the League One level before making the move to FC Naples for the 2026 season.
Garcia arrives in Naples with a well-rounded professional background and significant upside as
he enters the next chapter of his career.
Transaction: FC Naples signs Chris Garcia for the 2026 season, pending league and federation
approval.
Player Details:
● Name: Chris Garcia
● Pronunciation: [Cr-is Gar-c-ia]
● Position: Midfielder
● Height: 5’5”
● Date of Birth: January 13, 2003
● Hometown: El Paso, Texas
● Nationality: United States and Mexico
● Previous Experience: Forward Madison, Austin FC II, El Paso Locomoitve, Real Salt Lake